WASHINGTON (AP) -- U.S. health officials have offered a reality check about the scary new virus from China: They're expanding screenings of international travelers and taking other precautions but, for now, they insist the risk to Americans is very low.
Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar said Tuesday that worry about the virus should not impact Americans' day-to-day lives.
So far there are five confirmed cases of the virus in the U.S. and no sign they have spread the illness to those around them.
But as a precaution, the U.S. is beefing up its checks on returning international travelers beyond the five airports initially announced, to encompass 20 entry points.
China has confirmed more than 4,500 cases of the new virus, with 106 deaths. Most have been in or near the central city of Wuhan where the illness first surfaced last month.
